News and Updates

NHIA Board Chair Paul Mastrapa, President of Walgreens Infusion Services, reflects on some of the Association's accomplishments over the past two years

NHIA Board Chair Paul Mastrapa, President of Walgreens Infusion Services, reflected on some of the Association's accomplishments over the past two years at the Second General Session of the Association's Annual Conference & Exposition being held in Phoenix this week. Focusing on "progress" and "opportunities" Mastrapa highlighted the incredible breakthroughs made in moving the Medicare legislation forward, calling the Avalere study which showed Medicare's coverage of home infusion therapy conservatively would save taxpayers at least $80 million over 10 years, "the most important step we could have ever taken to finally get coverage to the millions of Medicare beneficiaries."

Mastrapa also credited NHIA's ability to drive significant changes to draft compounding legislation in 2013 and its efforts to strengthen the flow of information between payers and providers. "We have made progress in protecting the interests of our businesses and developing opportunities," said Mastrapa. "It takes time and commitment and I am proud of what we have achieved."

Before closing, Mastrapa paused to recognize NHIA's President & CEO Russell Bodoff, who will retire later this year, noting that during his tenure, Bodoff improved overall operations, strengthened the association's advocacy program, and stabilized the association's finances, eliminating $1.8 million in debt. "Through his leadership, the Association has made major enhancements to deliver more value to members," explained Mastrapa. He cited the formation of critical partnerships, such as the Future of Infusion Advisory Council (FIAC), the NHIA Standards for Ethical Practice, and an invigorated presence on Capitol Hill as examples.

"After eight years of service I think many of you will see what I see: a man who is passionate about his work and who has relentlessly focused on the best interests of the industry," Mastrapa said.

Bodoff expressed appreciation and promised to continue working—even as a private citizen—to pass legislation creating a Medicare benefit for home infusion therapy.